The beautiful organic appeal of natural wood remains one of the most popular materials for any home. It’s one of the main reasons why sash windows are such a unique feature and should always be maintained wherever possible.
The restoration of sash windows requires time, experience and access to the right tools to do the job correctly. If you are thinking of restoring your old sash windows, here are some practical tips on how to achieve the best finish.
How to prepare Sash window for restoration
By preparing your sash windows correctly you give the restoration work the best possible chance of achieving great results. The amount of time it will take depends on the current condition of the frames and the number of windows that need to be restored.
Regardless of how long it takes, it shouldn’t be forgotten or ignored, as it plays an important role in helping to create the ideal finish for the windows.
Before getting down to work, you should use dust covers to keep any mess created during the preparation to a minimum. This will make your life easier when it comes to cleaning up, as all the mess will have been kept contained on the dust sheet.
The preparation stage mostly involves sanding down and cleaning the frames. You want to remove any current paintwork and blemishes that have been caused by paint drips or dirt from work carried out previously.
Sash windows should also be cleaned to allow you to paint and achieve the finish you want. Sometimes it can take an hour or more to prepare each frame to ensure it is ready for the next stage.
While it may take longer than expected, remember, the more careful you are, the better it will look once completed.
The restoration process step by step
In order to get the most from sash windows you will want to follow these instructions to help keep them in great condition:
- To start with unscrewing any security fittings that sit in front of the lower sash. Then remove the staff beads, take out the lower sash and any cord or chains. Knot the cords so they aren’t pulled back into the frame by the weights. Then remove the parting beads and finally the top sash.
- Remove any excess paint that is still on the timber and repair rotting wood to maintain the integrity of the timber frame.
- Next, fill and sand the box and sashes to remove any chippings or rough edges that may exist.
- Replace broken or missing putty or filler to maintain the weatherproof qualities of the window.
- Prime, sand and add two final coats to the frame.
- Service the cords/pulleys and if required, replace them where needed.
- Check the sash weights and adjust the counterbalance to suit the individual window.
- You can then re-hang the top sash back into position.
- Install a new parting bead with the draught-proofing system to help improve energy efficiency in the room.
- The bottom sash can now be put back into position.
- As with the top sash, you should install a new staff bead and draught-proof system.
- Lastly, check the locks and lifts and if required, replace them if necessary.
Restoration should always be the first choice before any parts of the window are replaced. There are few occasions when a sash window cannot be repaired and restored to its former glory and if you are unsure, it pays to get advice from a professional company.
Over time each window will require different levels of restoration, from broken pulleys to rotten wood. In many cases, it is actually cheaper to have your sash windows restored instead of replaced and it ensures you keep the beautiful character that only this type of window can give to any type of property.
Advantages of sash window restoration
Taking the time to invest in sash window restoration offers benefits to both your property and quality of life. If you are unsure about undertaking sash window restoration yourself, then hiring a professional company will allow you to experience the advantages below:
- Removal of draughts and rattles
Windows that allow draughts into the room can make it very uncomfortable to live in. Rattling windows can also be very annoying, especially in the bedroom, disturbing your quality of sleep.
- Improvement of energy efficiency
The more energy-efficient your home is, the less you’ll spend on energy bills. Rooms will stay warmer for longer and you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint, which helps the environment.
- Reduction of outside noise
If you live near to a busy road, flight path or have noisy neighbors, sash window restoration will reduce outside noise so you can relax in peace and quiet at home. No-one wants to be disturbed in the privacy of their own home and restoring your sash windows guarantees that.
- Increased property value
Restoring your sash windows will add aesthetic and financial value to your home. These original features will be unique and a great selling point if you are considering putting it onto the property market.
- Easier to operate
Once your sash windows are restored, they will be easier to open and close, so you don’t have to strain and push on the mechanisms. They’ll operate as easily and simply as you’d expect any window in your home too.
If you need the help of professionals there is a company Repair a Sash. Remember, all of the work we carry out meets British Building Standards, so our customers can feel reassured that we will deliver high-quality work which meets building regulations.
